NEWS

Jan. 27, 2004

RSU Launches Equestrian Center, Bit By Bit
Fundraising Campaign

Rogers State University has announced it will
begin a $2 million fundraising campaign to enhance its equestrian facilities,
which serve not only its students but also the surrounding community through a
unique equine therapy program for disabled children.

The fundraising campaign was presented this week
to the University of Oklahoma's Board of Regents, RSU's governing body.

The campaign intends to raise $1 million to
acquire land and construct modern, off-campus equestrian facilities, with
another $1 million placed in an endowment to fund operating expenses for the RSU
Equestrian Center and the Bit By Bit Therapeutic Riding Center at RSU.

The Bit By Bit program promotes physical and
mental health through horseback riding for children and adults with
disabilities. The riding sessions and other therapeutic interactions with the
horses help improve balance, walking, language and cognitive skills for
participating clients. The program serves more than 75 children and adults in
northeastern Oklahoma, and 25 children are on the waiting list for services.

The Bit By Bit program is a cooperative effort
between RSU and Oologah-Talala Public Schools. One of 11 certified equine
therapy centers in the state, Bit By Bit is the only certified program directly
affiliated with a university. The program provides opportunities for RSU nursing
and behavioral sciences students to gain hands-on experience in equine therapy
for the disabled.

The RSU Rodeo Club also uses the equestrian
facilities to practice for intercollegiate rodeo competitions, as well as for
general club activities.

RSU currently operates equestrian facilities on
its Claremore campus in an area that was once located on the edge of the campus
grounds. Recent campus construction, including the RSU Student Apartments and
the Stratton Taylor Library, has placed the equestrian facilities in the heart
of campus. The current location of the equestrian facilities is an important
area for future expansion of the Claremore campus.

Moving the equestrian facilities to an off-campus
location would allow the university additional space for future expansion,
provide modern facilities to support the equestrian programs, and provide a
secure location to ensure the animals' well being, said RSU President Dr. Joe
Wiley.

The proposed RSU Equestrian Center would include
an expanded indoor arena; an improved mounting area to assist clients in
mounting a horse; a classroom with one-way observational viewing for parents,
students, and others; increased stall space and turn-out areas; storage and tack
areas; an administrative office; a waiting area with two ADA-complaint
restrooms; and other features. An outdoor arena is also planned.

For more information on the RSU Equestrian Center
and Bit By Bit fundraising campaign, please call the RSU Office of Development
at (918) 343-7773.